U.S. reporters barred by Donald Trump remain locked out of the White House despite a federal judge ordering their access restored—while Chinese state media were welcomed onto the grounds to cover President Xi Jinping’s visit.

The bizarre reality of America’s supposedly free press was highlighted by CNN star Kaitlan Collins on Thursday, as the president rolled out the White House red carpet to welcome Xi with a lavish arrival ceremony featuring military flyovers, fawning speeches and silent marine platoon salute.

“Despite the court order overnight, CNN, MS NOW and Politico reporters are still being blocked from entering the White House grounds today,” Collins wrote on X.

“Yet for Xi’s visit, members of the Chinese state media are present.”

The arrival of the Chinese Communist Party leader produced its own chaos on the South Lawn on Thursday morning, with state media photographers trying to push and shove their way into the best spots to capture Trump greet Xi.One photographer even refused to move from position, resulting in Secret Service officers and aides being forced to intervene and redirect him to correct area.